Easter in Zante

Easter is the biggest religious celebration in Greece. Zakynthos in particular, celebrates Easter with much formality. The festival culminates with Good Friday, Easter Saturday  and Easter Sunday. Good Friday symbolises Jesus' crucifixion and burial day. The community is in mourning and dark clothes are customarily worn. The crucifix is solemnly carried around the town and the sentiment is felt everywhere whilst shops remain closed and dark scarves hang from the balconies. The first news of Jesus' Resurrection comes at mid-day on Great Saturday. Traditionally ceramic pots filled with water are dropped from the balconies onto the streets below. Later at midnight the town celebrates the 'Anastasis' with a cascade of fireworks and joyous bell tolls.